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The first phase of this project started in October last year when the group spent a weekend raising a 40metre section of Nuns Walk beset by flooding.
Gravel boards were fitted and eight tonnes of scalping laid and compacted, making a huge improvement to this well used local picturesque footpath path which meanders in part alongside a tributary to the River Itchen.
On Saturday 19 February 2010 phase 2 was undertaken when two of the existing sleeper bridges in the same section were completely replaced.
Planning and preparation for the task had been undertaken several months in advance, working closely with Hampshire Paths Partnership; an application to HCC Countryside Access Forum Small Grants Scheme was successful, which together with matching funds provided by Headbourne Worthy Parish Council covered the cost of materials and equipment.
Work started at 10.30am on a chilly winter’s day with seven volunteers including a young lad on the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
The first task was to move tools and materials ¼ mile down the path, using a newly purchased trolley and taking turns to shift eight new sleepers. HPP had cut the old sleepers in half the day before; these were used as bearers for the new sleepers.
The group split into two small teams and after measuring up and marking the position of the bridges, set about with mattocks and spades to dig out the earth – fortunately the ground was very soft, in fact maybe a little too boggy!
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| Installing the sleeper bearer’s |
Working on one of the
new sleeper bridges |
A job well done!
Some of the Conservation Volunteer’s Team |
The old sleepers were used as bearers and put in place as far apart from the centre of the ditch as possible, at right angles to the top of the bridge, and set deep enough so that the top sleeper would be at ground level. Time was spent ensuring that all the bearers where level.
Each bridge was created using four sleepers laid length-wise across the ditch resting on top of the bearers. Pegs were driven into the ground at each corner and secured to both sleeper and bearer with 6inch nails and the exposed tops sawn off.
Weld mesh was then stapled on the bridges, with the top wires going across the sleepers.
Finally the ground was levelled off at each end, whilst the bridges and surrounding area were checked to make sure there are no trip hazards or sharp objects.
An excellent day’s work, which all those in the community who use this stretch of Nuns Walk on their next walk, will greatly appreciate being undertaken by the Worthys Conservation Volunteers.
For more information on the Worthys Conservation Volunteers see their website: www.worthysconservationvolunteers.org.uk
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